Michelle Worthington's Blog, page 15

Illustration Spotlight: Bears

Illustrator; Jon Davishttp://www.jondavisart.com/
Ilustrator: Maxine Leehttp://portfolio.maxinelee.com/childr...
Illustrator: Emily Hugheshttps://www.facebook.com/emilyhughesillo
Illustrator: Mariana Ruiz Johnsonhttp://www.randomhousekids.com/author...
Illustrator: Sarah Jacksonhttp://sarahjackson.ca




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Book Review: My Pop is a Pirate by Damon Young and Peter Carnavas

 Book of the day is My Pop is a Pirate by Damon Young and Peter Carnavas. Who doesn't love a rhyming book about grandpas in all shapes and sizes, talents and tastes. The whole story is fun fun fun from start to finish and perfectly paired with Peter Carnavas illustrations. Great for reluctant readers and for getting Pop to read to the kids himself.

 Product detailsFormat Hardback | 40 pages Dimensions 255 x 268 x 10mm | 476g Publication date 25 Feb 2015 Publisher University of Queensland Press Publication City/Country St Lucia, Australia ISBN10 0702253618 ISBN13 9780702253614 http://www.bookdepository.com/My-Pop-is-Pirate-Damon-Young-Peter-Carnavas/9780702253614?ref=grid-viewwww.michelleworthington.com

Book Review: Imaginary Fred by Eion Colfer and Oliver Jeffers

 Today's book review is Imaginary Fred by Eion Colfer and Oliver Jeffers An original and clever story about the power of friendship. The thing I love most is the neutrality of the book and especially great text, pictures and design for reluctant readers. A great book for shy kids or those of us who had imaginary friends. I know a lot of kids on the autism spectrum struggle with friendship issues, especially as they get older and peer groups grow and change. This book would also be suitable in an older age bracket for those kids. It doesn't look like a "little kid" book at all. I know it comes in a 'gift book' format but I think it would be better borrowed from the library first and then if it becomes a favourite, or a sneaky feel better tool, I would buy it then but not for a special occasion. This book is for day to day consumption, like your favourite vegetables, like a potato, but a yummy one.

Product detailsFormat Hardback | 48 pages Dimensions 226 x 286 x 15mm | 530g Publication date 08 Oct 2015 Publisher HarperCollins Publishers Imprint HarperCollins Children's Books Publication City/Country London, United Kingdom Language English ISBN10 0008126143 ISBN13 9780008126148 http://www.bookdepository.com/Imaginary-Fred-Oliver-Jeffers-Eoin-Colfer/9780008126148?ref=grid-view   www.michelleworthington.com

Book Review: The Brothers Quibble by Aaron Blabey

 Today's Book Review is The Brothers Quibble by Aaron Blabey. This is more than a book about sibling rivalry, it's about kids expressing negative emotions, parents setting (and kids pushing) behaviour boundaries and that love isn't an automatic feeling, it's a choice that we make. A great book for emerging readers and the illustrations are perfectly matched to the tone of the story. Who doesn't love a book by Aaron Blabey, he's one of my fan girl picture book crushes! Great for kids on the autism spectrum and reluctant readers, especially if they happen to be big brothers!

Product detailsFormat Paperback | 32 pages Dimensions 232 x 288 x 2mm | 185g Publication date 01 Aug 2015 Publisher Penguin Books Australia Imprint PUFFIN Publication City/Country Hawthorn, Australia ISBN10 0143507060 ISBN13 9780143507062 http://www.bookdepository.com/The-Brothers-Quibble-Aaron-Blabey/9780143507062?ref=grid-view www.michelleworthington.com

Book Review: Baby Boomsticks by Margaret Wild and David Legge

 Today's book review is the picture book Baby Boomsticks by Margaret Wild, illustrated by David Legge. This has been a huge favourite with all 3 of my boys, for its originality, musicality and engaging illustrations, you can really have fun reading this book, designed to be read aloud and we love sharing it at bedtime. Great for little babies and kids learning to associate words with meaning. Also great for kids who have trouble sitting still, because it is a book you can read while moving around.  I think the illustrations are still my favourite of all the David Legge books though.



Product detailsFormat Paperback Dimensions 231 x 286 x 3mm | 200g Publication date 10 Jan 2004 Publisher ABC Books Publication City/Country Sydney, Australia Illustrations note illus ISBN10 0733313116 ISBN13 97807333http://www.bookdepository.com/Baby-Bo...  www.michelleworthington.com

Book Review: Kissed by the Moon by Alison Lester

 Today's book review is Kissed By the Moon by Alison Lester. Recently appeared on Playschool, this beautiful story makes you want to snuggle up with your little on in a comfy corner and read aloud. It reminds us about the adventures children have every day and that when we have hopes and dreams for our children, to make sure we are wishing for the right things. The perfect bedtime story for everyone, especially tired Mums.

Product detailsFormat Hardback | 32 pages Dimensions 213 x 261 x 10mm | 365g Publication date 25 Sep 2013 Publisher Penguin Books Australia Imprint Viking Australia Publication City/Country Hawthorn, Australia ISBN10 0670076759 ISBN13 9780670076758 http://www.bookdepository.com/Kissed-by-the-Moon-Alison-Lester/9780670076758?ref=grid-view 
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Illustrator Spotlight: Chuck Groenink

According to his website, Chuck hails from an overgrown village among the peat bogs in the north of the Netherlands, where he spent his formative years climbing trees, drawing, reading, and cycling.  He attended the Artez Institute of Visual Arts in Kampen, graduating from the department of Illustration in 2004.  He moved to Portland, Oregon in 2010, and now resides in Syracuse, New York with his wife and two cats.  His blog on Tumblr is amazing, a work of art in itself. http://chuckgroenink.tumblr.com/

I first discovered his illustrations when I came across the book Rufus the Writer by Elizabeth Brown


He has a perfect picture book style with whimsical characters and hidden emotion in seemingly simple designs. He has had good success with some of his picture books and even more with spin off merchandise because this artwork translates so effortlessly into beautiful home wares and children's prints. I would love to see more of the edginess he can do in a book that would suit, maybe a Shaun Tan style offering. He definitely has it in him to push the envelope of book illustration and design.

 You can contact him via his website http://www.chuckgroenink.com/




 

 

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Book Review: Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman

 Today's book review is Bear Snores On, by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman, a beautiful bedtime story about friendship, togetherness and being inclusive of different people, because we all have something to offer. The illustrations are warm and whimsical, matching the story perfectly. I recommend reading out loud on a cold night with hot chocolate and cuddles. Perfect for lovers of bears, the real and teddy kind.


Product detailsFormat Board book | 34 pages Dimensions 140 x 152 x 23mm | 290g Publication date 03 Oct 2005 Publisher SIMON & SCHUSTER Imprint SIMON & SCHUSTER CHILDREN'S Publication City/Country New York, United States Language English Illustrations note Full colour ISBN10 1416904883 ISBN13 9781416904885 http://www.bookdepository.com/Bear-Snores-On-Karm-Wilson-Jane-Chapman/9781416904885?ref=grid-view www.michelleworthington.com

Book Review: Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

 

Today's book review is Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, the creators of The Gruffalo. This is always a kid favourite when I do storytelling because it is so much fun to read aloud. It has all the kinds of characters that kids love and the illustrations are vibrant and engaging. It has a musicality to the story and I dare you to read it without a smile on your face! Great for reluctant readers.

Product detailsFormat Paperback | 32 pages Dimensions 246.38 x 279.4 x 2.54mm | 113.4g Publication date 25 Aug 2003 Publisher Penguin Books Australia Imprint PUFFIN Publication City/Country Hawthorn, Australia Language English Edition statement Reprint Illustrations note colour illustrations ISBN10 0142501123 ISBN13 978014250112http://www.bookdepository.com/Room-on...  
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Book Review: The Book with No Pictures by B J Novak

Today's book review is The Book With No Pictures by BJ Novak. I must admit that when I first heard about this book, I was very sceptical, it made no sense? Then I read it, and I read it again and again abs again and again. The kids adore it. It is inspired. It is pure imagination. It is genius. Please take the time to have a read for yourself, guaranteed instant favourite. Perfect for reluctant readers and children on the autism spectrum who find it difficult to assimilate words and pictures.



Product detailsFormat Hardback | 48 pages Dimensions 200.66 x 251.46 x 12.7mm | 430.91g Publication date 01 Nov 2014 Publisher Penguin Putnam Inc Imprint Dial Books for Young Readers,US Publication City/Country United States Language English ISBN10 0803741715 ISBN13 9780803741713  http://www.bookdepository.com/The-Book-with-No-Pictures-B-J-Novak/9780803741713?ref=grid-viewwww.michelleworthington.com